Impactful Programs

Deploying programs to help existing or aspiring entrepreneurs succeed

Smart programming that supports entrepreneurship and innovation right here in Northwest Arkansas

Our programs aim to set the foundation for our clients and help to weave the web of resources and experiences that will foster their growth. Programs like Fuel and Kiva, new and budding entrepreneurs can access resources, capital, and gain the experience they need to thrive.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities! Here in NWA, we can leverage key partnerships that encourage and support a thriving economic ecosystem that helps not our immediate communities!

Startup Junkie Foundation programs designed to support a local community with global reach

Fuel Accelerator

Fuel is sponsored by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Walton Family Foundation in order to foster more activity and innovation around the future of technology in Northwest Arkansas.

Kiva NWA

Kiva provides loans that change lives. A non-profit that expands access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world, with more than 4.3 million people raising over $1.7 billion on Kiva. Kiva believes in character over credit and the power of community-based lending.

UpStart Thrift Store

UpStart Thrift Store, located at 235 Main St, Farmington, Arkansas, is run by an all-volunteer team and resells donated clothes and home goods at affordable prices to the community.

1 Million Cups – Bentonville

A weekly event that brings together entrepreneurs in the Bentonville community over coffee and conversations. At each event, entrepreneurs present their ideas to the community and find inspiration through each other’s stories and experiences.

Korean Entrepreneur Foundation – GMEP

Startup Junkie, in partnership with the Korean Entrepreneurship Foundation (KoEF) is leading the Global Market Expansion Program (GMEP) and hosting 15 Korean startups in Northwest Arkansas. During that time, companies will participate in programming geared towards fostering international business relationships and aiding Korean startups enter the global market

Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster – LRIC

The Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster (LRIC) is a dynamic public-private collaborative initiative focused on accelerating energy innovation and the electric vehicle (EV) transition by strengthening the lithium value chain. The LRIC is one of the US SBA’s official distinguished and esteemed Regional Innovation Clusters. At the LRIC, we are committed to enhancing national security by building a more resilient and sustainable lithium supply chain, crucial to powering the future of energy. Rooted in the rich lithium resources of the Smackover Formation, one of the largest lithium deposits globally, LRIC is positioned as a leader in the energy revolution.

These programs are made possible by the support of our funding partners

We are so grateful for the Walton Family Foundation, the EDA, the SBA, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and other organizations that support our vision of improving lives through entrepreneurship.

en_USEnglish